Postharvest Application of Papaya Leaf Extract for Anthracnose Management and Quality Preservation in Chili (

Postharvest infections, especially anthracnose from Colletotrichum species, resulted in fruit lesions, lower market value, decreased consumer preference, and restricted the output of chili (C apsicum annuum L.). The need for natural alternatives is highlighted by the current reliance on chemical fungicides, which poses health and environmental risks. The purpose of this study was to assess how papaya leaf extract (PLE), which extracted with acetone and water, controls anthracnose and preserves the quality of chilies after harvest. PLE was diluted in 500 mL of either acetone or water at concentrations of 5%, 15%, and 25% as part of the treatments. Untreated and uninoculated fruits served as positive controls, whilst untreated yet infected fruits served as negative controls. Weight loss, firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid content, and disease severity were the postharvest characteristics evaluated. According to the results, 25% acetone-extracted PLE was the most effective at preventing Colletotrichum mycelial development. Although most postharvest quality attributes were not significantly impacted by either extraction technique, 15% water-extracted PLE resulted in better quality retention than other treatments. To conclude, application of PLE as postharvest treatment in reducing postharvest disease and maintaining the postharvest qualities of chili is a promising method to be applied in the future.